WARREN GATLAND has urged shamed Wales star Andy Powell to take his big chance after recalling the shamed star.

Powell – a reputed target for Rugby League outfit the Crusaders – was arrested and found guilty of drink-driving after taking a golf buggy from the Wales team headquarters and driving it along the M4 to a motorway service station following a night of celebrating the dramatic Six Nations victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

The 28-year-old was banished from the matches with France, Ireland and Italy but has been brought back despite playing just 180 minutes of rugby – the equivalent of two games and 20 minutes – for his region since February 13.

Powell had 25 minutes against Leinster, 64 in Glasgow, 60 against Ulster and 36 at the Dragons, after picking up a calf injury at Rodney Parade and hasn’t appeared for the Blues since.

It’s unclear whether he will be fit to be considered for selection for their Amlin Challenge Cup final with Toulon in Marseilles next Sunday.Powell has made just 11 starts for the Blues this season, making another five as a substitute but, for a ball-carrier, has surprisingly only scored one try.

But Gatland reckons the Lion can relaunch his union career with Wales this summer and put aside any thoughts he might have of switching to league.

“It’s a big chance for Andy,” said Gatland.

“We have had in him training for the last week or so and he’s in pretty good shape physically.

“He’s probably the most powerful athlete we have got in this squad and if we can get him right just in terms of building on his confidence and get him playing I think he can have an impact for us. We don’t have a lot of options, but Andy’s there on merit.

“There was no pressure on us to not include him for the remainder of the Six Nations, but we made that management decision.

“He’s been remorseful about what he’s done. He desperately wants to be part of this squad, to show he’s capable playing at the highest level.”